Urban Geometry

This 8 x 10 plein aire oil painting, titled "Urban Geometry'" was done in the early summer of this year. I had seen this view of the overpass where the Don Valley Parkway meets the Gardner Expressway from one of the bike paths that follow the Don River north of Lakeshore several years ago. This summer I went back to find the same view, but was unable to find it due to the fact that the bike path had been diverted in the meantime. To get to this place, I left the path as it crossed some railway tracks (partially seen on the left) and walked up this road until I was satisfied with the scene. Having set up and happily painting for a while a private security car approached up the road and asked what I was doing. I explained and showed him my painting and then said "I am on private property aren't I." He answered yes and then asked how long I thought I was going to be. I replied another 15 mins. and he said "Well I'll be back in a bit and you'll be gone" and drove off. So I finished the painting, packed up and left.

Saturday Night at The Rex

"Where Jazz musicians come to hear Jazz"

This quote heads up the website for The Rex, a Toronto institution. The website goes on to say;      




Since the late '80s, the Rex has been at the forefront of Toronto's thriving local jazz scene. The casual atmosphere, eclectic mix of retro-chic decor, and an exciting variety of draught beer combine to make The Rex feel like a second home.


At The Rex, we stay true to our motto: "More Great Jazz than anywhere else, all the time!"


The band we listened to and the one pictured above is "The Sidewinders." 


A Sample of their music (also at The Rex) can be found at:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHmdQfviIz8

Toronto "New" City Hall

This pencil sketch is of City Hall in Toronto, commonly known as "new" city hall, with the skating rink in the foreground.

 A little history. The building, completed in 1965, was designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell after winning an international design competition in 1958 proposed by then mayor Nathan Philips. The area in front of the building is named Nathan Phillips Square.